"Stabilization, not stagnation - this is how we interpret the results ... over-production was blamed for why factory output was so weak in December. Therefore, producers were adjusting for softer Russian economic growth," said Artem Biryukov, economist for Russia and CIS at HSBC.

The economy is expected to grow 3.2 percent in 2013, down from 3.6 percent estimated for 2012, due to weaker exports, tightened budget expenditures and a more cautious consumer spending, a Reuters poll showed on Monday.

The PMI index for new export orders fell to its lowest point in more than two years, leading to a near-stagnation in output growth.

The data comes after a pick-up in manufacturing activity in November, when growth in industrial production strengthened to 1.9 percent year-on-year in November, ending a downtrend dating back to August.

"Resumption of stronger growth is still on the agenda, as we estimate moderate stock levels in the manufacturing sector," Biryukov added.